Problems with Diabetic Feet – Ulcers, Wounds, Peripheral Neuropathy – Houston, TX Foot Doctor

tanglewoodfootspecialists.com Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects up to 6% of the population. When diabetes is present, either the body produces less or no insulin or the body tissues are resistant to the effects of diabetes. This results in higher levels of glucose in the blood, which can damage a whole range of body tissues and organs. Care of the feet are essential to diabetics because of the direct effect diabetes has on the feet. Diabetes can damage the nerves, leading to a painful or numb condition called peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes also can lead to poor circulation, which can slow the healing process when damage occurs. Also, diabetics are more prone to infection and are slower to resolve infections due to poor circulation. Because of these issues, diabetics are more prone to such issues such as a completely insensitive foot, foot ulcers, foot deformities due to advanced neuropathy, and persistant infections in the feet. The best course of action is to prevent all of these problems from occurring. Podiatrists have an extremely important role to play in the prevention and management of complications of the foot in those with diabetes. All those who are at risk for a problem should have that risk status assessed at least twice annually, and more if the risk is greater. Your podiatrist should communicate this risk status to other members of the health care team. Advice should be given on how to reduce the chance of damage happening, what to do to prevent it …